Putting Goofy together was a fun carving and should be a conversational piece for some time.
Goofy starts out as a 4" X 3" X 7" block of tupelo wood.
The main image for the piece is typically drawn first and in this case a side view.
Then the band saw is used to remove bulk wood.
A number of carvings ago I began trimming the drawing off to use as a template for either a right or left or front or rear template
By reversing the trimmed drawing it helps with the opposite view.
The tricky part of the carving is to be sure and remove bulk carefully to ensure all the features are not undercut.
So far the piece is going well...
Horseshoe - check!
left hand size and position - check!
Ears connected to his back for strength - check!
"Dixie cup" sailor's hat - check!
Horseshoe in right hand - check!
The band across the opening of the horseshoe for strength - check!
Hold it, dang, the horseshoe is not in the correct throwing position!!!
The original horseshoe is removed and a new one (in the correct 3/4 position) I carefully fitted into his hand.
The base has the "pit," stake and backboard.
Yep, everything fits!
Now to stain the base and add color to the piece.
Thanks to a suggestion from "Arthur" on the Woodcarving Illustrated Forum, Goofy is sealed with shellac. Goofy is the first piece sealed with shellac and I have to say what a tremendous difference in the reduction in grain swelling and prep for paint.
Goofy was treated to a finish "buffing" with a fine burr to reduce the shine and promote adhesion.
Goofy takes his place in the "pit!"
